Tracey Lange

“Sunday knew a thing or two about that: the terrible fallout that came with hiding shameful secrets from the people who mattered most” (72).

With old proverbs and familyisms from the beginning of this story, it’s easy to see that the Brennans are a family steeped in Irish Catholic tradition and tied by unwavering loyalty to one another—no matter how healthy (or unhealthy) it may be. This is a story about family secrets, the weight of hidden guilt and shame, and the consequences of being a Brennan guardian—guardians of secrets, guardians of family responsibilities, each one taking on the weight of things too difficult to handle on their own. Throughout this story, it’s easy to be completely drawn into the relationships between all the siblings—older brother Denny who acts as protector, only sister Sunday who nurtures and selflessly gives to everyone, middle brother Jackie who shelters secrets and acts as scapegoat, baby brother Shane who will be forever vulnerable and childlike, the one to be fiercely protected. And then there are those who have chosen to be part of the family, to enter the fold—Kale and Theresa—because they know that in the tight Brennan circle there’s unconditional togetherness and protection, a family facing life together.… (plus d'informations)

I read her first book and even though I liked it well enough, I liked this one even better. I liked the characters better and the plot.

I liked Tara, Eddie, especially 10 year old Conor who was Eddie's son. Geraldine was just so annoying. I really thought she was in her 60s but that didn't fit with their age differences and she was only in her 30s. She acted like an old woman.

I've always been a big reader of dysfunctional families, and this one sort of fits the description. It's not just about families but also the cop who has ties with Tara when he arrested her. It gets more complicated in a personal way too. I like how the ending tied up all the family and the problems.

I have her future book on my to read and hopefully I'll be reading that one too when it comes out in August 2024. I Googled it and this is the plot: “When Kyle McCray gets word his father has suffered a debilitating stroke, he returns to his hometown of Potsdam, New York, even though he doesn't expect a warm reception.”… (plus d'informations)

Loved this story---messy family drama at its finest. There is just enough mess to make it fascinating and plenty of family love to round the edges. The novel begins with Sunday Brennan returning home after a five-year absence. As the book progresses, we learn what caused her to leave and whether she can really come back. Along the way Lange introduces us to all the family members in a deep exploration of their decisions, motivations and the consequential impact on others. Some readers had a problem with the ending, but I thought it left enough room for reader interpretation which I always appreciate. I loved Lange’s sophomore novel, The Connellys of County Down, so much and now this one even more. She has definitely become an auto-read author for me.… (plus d'informations)

Tara Connelly is being released from prison, having served 18 months on a drug related charge. She managed to get through her sentence by drawing and creating stories for her nephew and for other inmates' children. She is shocked when Det. Brian Nolan is there at her release, as he helped put her in prison. Brian wants to apologize to her, but he can't do it. He feels a connection to Tara, but knows it is a career danger to be involved with an ex-con. Tara is trying to put her life, and her family, back together. Her brother, Eddie, suffers from a brain injury, and her sister, Geraldine, is a bit neurotic and a hoarder. All of these things lead Tara to make some interesting choices.
This is ultimately a story of love, family, and trust. Tara does everything she can to protect her family, often to her detriment. I liked the relationship between Brian and Tara, and I loved the loyalty Tara had to her family, esp. her nephew, Conor. I enjoyed the parts about her art/drawings, and the partnership with Gordi and Lance, the teens that took a chance on Tara.
Enjoyable read.… (plus d'informations)